The U.S. Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction

Linda Greenhouse, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, provides a concise and insightful introduction to the United States Supreme Court, covering its history, functions, and the role of its justices in deciding cases. She also compares the Court to foreign courts and highlights landmark decisions from the Obama and Trump eras.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

For over three decades, Linda Greenhouse, a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, has been diligently chronicling the activities of the United States Supreme Court and its esteemed justices as a correspondent for the esteemed New York Times. In this captivating Very Short Introduction, Greenhouse delves into her profound understanding of the court's history, as well as its written and unwritten rules, to enlighten readers about the inner workings of this influential institution. Through her insightful narrative, Greenhouse presents a captivating institutional biography of the court and its people—the men and women who wield immense power yet remain largely unknown to many Americans. Their work often shrouded in mystery, these individuals play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's legal landscape.

How do cases make their way to the Supreme Court? What is the process by which the justices deliberate and reach their decisions? What is the unique role of the chief justice? What tasks do the law clerks undertake? How does the court interact with other branches of government? Greenhouse addresses these critical questions by presenting the justices as they grapple with profound constitutional issues and navigate the complexities of federal statutes. Throughout the book, she utilizes numerous individual Supreme Court cases to illustrate the points under discussion, including landmark cases such as Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review; District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which struck down the District of Columbia's gun-control statute and marked a historic moment as the court issued an authoritative interpretation of the Second Amendment; and Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), which reversed the court's previous recognition of abortion rights established in Roe v. Wade (1973).

To provide a broader perspective, Greenhouse also compares the Supreme Court to foreign courts, highlighting intriguing differences. For instance, no other country in the world has chosen to bestow the honor of life tenure upon its justices, ensuring a long-lasting and stable judicial system. Moreover, the court's docket is relatively limited compared to some foreign counterparts, allowing for more focused deliberations and thorough analysis of cases.

In conclusion, Linda Greenhouse's Very Short Introduction offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the United States Supreme Court. Through her deep knowledge and engaging narrative, Greenhouse provides readers with a valuable understanding of how this institution functions, the roles played by its members, and the significant impact it has on the nation's legal landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for the Supreme Court and its critical role in shaping the world we live in.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 110 x 174 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197689462
Edition number: 3 Revised edition